Search

The COVID-19 pandemic brought in front of mankind an unprecedented challenge. It not only tested mankind's resilience but also the human intelligence to counter the unforeseen and rapidly evolving challenges threatening the survival of the human race. In this pandemic, mankind collectively came together to control the impact of COVID-19 and deployed all resources, intelligence and knowledge to contain it. This paper makes an attempt to focus on one such dimension, which is, the usage of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) used in its various forms by humans to tackle the deadly COVID-19 virus. The objective of the narrative review paper is to identify, examine, summarize, and synthesize the extant literature on the role of A.I. during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main research question of the paper is to analyze how the existing body of literature identifies the various application of A.I. during the COVID-19 pandemic. What were the fields in which A.I. was extensively used during the COVID-19 pandemic? The narrative review paper will only confine itself to the scholarly articles published in the journal. The database identified for locating the research papers includes Proquest, J-Store, Google Scholar, Academia.edu, Scopus, and EBSCO research database. Search terms or keywords identified are Artificial Intelligence, COVID-19, and A.I. are identified. The time period identified for choosing the paper is 2020 onwards as the pandemic COVID-19 commenced during that year. The paper presents major themes, visual data of dominating themes and discussions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the factors enabling and limiting family medicine (FM) programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Design: A narrative review was conducted by searching a variety of databases. Papers focusing on the training, deployment, or contribution to healthcare systems of doctors with postgraduate training in FM in SSA, published in peer-reviewed journals from 2015 onwards and in English language were included. Included papers underwent qualitative analysis. Results: Seventy-one papers were included in the review. 38% focussed on South Africa, while papers focussing on FM in a further 15 countries in SSA were identified. Key factors enabling FM programmes are support from key stakeholders, recognition of family practitioners (FP) as specialists, international collaboration, and dedicated FPs. Key factors limiting FM programmes are a lack of sufficient and well-trained faculty, inappropriate training settings, higher rates of trainee attrition, lack of FM in undergraduate curriculums, lack of career pathways, inappropriate deployment, and a lack of a critical mass. Conclusions: Support from national stakeholders, the recognition of FPs as specialists, and sustainable international collaboration promote FM programmes. The absence of a defined role within the healthcare system, low numbers of FM faculty, a poor presence in undergraduate curriculum, high attrition rate of trainees and the lack of a critical mass limit FM programmes. The standardisation of the role of FM and the implementation of undergraduate and postgraduate FM programmes with national and international collaboration could enable FM to reach a critical mass and realise its full potential in strengthening primary healthcare in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper brings attention to the role of hybrid middle managers. In particular it explores the relationship of organisational purpose and role requirements. Design/methodology/approach: The primary research question for the original research was: What does it mean to hybrid managers to lead and deal with imposed changes (restructuring) to services? A novel narrative approach based on a synthesis of Czarniawska, Gabriel and Boje was applied. Accounts from interviews were condensed into narratives by initially using the categories defined by Gabriel (2000) as epic, tragic, comic and romantic and then further categorised into stories, themes and a serial (Czarniawska, 1997). The final stage of the three-way synthesised narrative approach incorporated Boje's (2001) notion of "antenarrative" to include pre-emplotment elements. Findings: Four narratives are provided that give insight to the nature of the struggles the hybrid middle managers were in the midst of. A struggle to address incongruent demands being placed on them that cause tension with their sense of purpose, organisational goals and their hybrid clinical roles and management roles. In the midst of these struggles the narratives illustrate the dynamic of ethical resistance that seeks a way forward. However, this appears to come at a health and well-being cost to the middle managers. Originality/value: The paper offers up the notion of an added third bind to the traditional double, that of "ethical resistance", a struggle to align organisational purpose with clinical and management role requirements. Theorising this third bind provides a new insight into understanding the context and dynamics of the hybrid middle manager role and behaviour. Indeed, the idea of ethical resistance may cause a revision of how resistance is understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coming of the robotized millennium has brought about a period of time in which artificial intelligence (AI) has a significant impact on many facets of existence for humans, including the literary arts. This research paper explores the various ways that AI is changing the field of literature. AI has had a significant and all-encompassing impact on literature, from the development of new forms of literary expression to the improvement of conventional writing techniques. The examination of literature produced by AI takes up a large amount of the paper. It highlights noteworthy endeavors and projects that use AI to produce literary works, from poetry collections to novels in their entirety. The paper explores the distinctive features of AI-generated literature, such as its stylistic inclinations, thematic concerns, and structural patterns, through case studies of texts written by AI. It also discusses how these works have been received critically, illustrating the various viewpoints held by readers, academics, and literary critics regarding the significance and uniqueness of texts created by artificial intelligence. The collaborative potential of AI in the process of creating literature is further examined in this work. It looks at how modern poets and writers are using AI tools to improve their creative processes, from coming up with ideas and getting beyond writer's block to trying out novel narrative structures and styles. The study offers insights into the useful applications and advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) in literature through surveys and interviews with authors who have used AI into their creative processes It looks forward to more developments in AI technology and how they can transform the literary industry. It provides a nuanced view of the future of literary creativity in the robotized millennium by highlighting the opportunities and problems posed by AI in the literary arena. The research advances knowledge about AI's influence on the direction of literature by combining historical study, current case studies, and futuristic conjecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the international contemporary discourse transgender individuals arguably have an increased presence within public media highlighting the visible diversity that constitutes the LGBTQI2S+ community. However, in response to the challenging of cisgendered normative assumptions there has been an unprecedented swathe of anti-trans measures executed through the frenzied repealing of rights and freedoms within the key arenas of legal, medical, sporting, and educative domains. This paper explores the intersections of pathologizing rhetoric that emplotted anti-trans and transphobic discourses within and across public consciousness. The quotidian presence of these discourses provoked in us a wondering about how evolving conceptual debate is constructing a trans inclusive global imaginary. In this paper we situate trans safety not as a singular concept, but rather a differentially experienced phenomenon that is related to and embedded in questions of bio power and privilege. As such, when we refer to a trans safety imaginary, we are not solely addressing protection from physical violence but also safeguarding against psychological and emotional vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents ethnographic research from Journey: Bridging Cultures, a UK-based project that worked with school-aged youths with forced migration backgrounds. Between January 2020 and July 2021, participants and facilitators co-produced a multimedia chamber orchestra work about students' experiences in countries of origin, transit, and destination to present to members of the Oxford community. Through this case study, we explore the translation of refugee narratives into artworks for public audiences, deconstructing the social processes and power negotiations inherent in its crafting and transmission. In conversation with scholarship on arts-based research with refugees, Michel Callon's theory of translation (1984) is mobilised to position translation as both the product and process of multiple mediations. The context of co-productive artistic creation highlights the extent to which marginalised populations shape how their narratives are translated and performed. Such participants may redirect the trajectory of an artistic project through strategies of partial- and non- engagement, but these are balanced against external influences including the parameters of the artistic medium, expectations of imagined audiences, and internalised narratives about what stories to tell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, inappropriate compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain and excessive mental preoccupation with body weight and shape. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: In this paper, the feelings, thoughts and experiences of an individual with bulimia nervosa are explained, and the positive and negative effects of their experiences during the treatment process are emphasized.This paper offers advice to patients, relatives and healthcare professionals in recognizing and treating bulimia nervosa. What are the implications for practice?: Mental health nurses should organize training, seminars and conferences to raise awareness of society against bulimia nervosa, which is defined as a mannequin disease and therefore creates a positive perception.Mental health nurses, an essential part of the health system, should raise awareness of individuals and families about recognizing, monitoring and supporting the early symptoms of bulimia nervosa. Introduction: Bulimia nervosa is one of the areas where mental health professionals have difficulties due to its nature and course. It is important to understand the factors related to this problem in‐depth to discover the dynamics unique to the individual that causes the difficulty, identify new perspectives on these dynamics and identify alternative behaviours, stop stubborn binge‐eating attacks and prevent relapse. Aim: It is aimed to provide an in‐depth insight into the nature, course and treatment processes of bulimia nervosa through the narrative of the lived experience of an individual living with this problem. Implication for Practice: The perception of beauty seriously impacts the onset and later course of bulimia nervosa and draws attention to the fact that mental health professionals and media workers have important duties to change the concept of beauty equals being skinny, created in society and the media. Quality of perceived social support is very important in preventing, treating and rehabilitating bulimia nervosa. Adopting a more objective approach, which will prevent the positive or negative stigmatization of the disease in explaining bulimia nervosa to the public, should be adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Severe and prolonged loneliness is known to be detrimental to mental well‐being. Eating disorders and loneliness are linked to each other with loneliness often acting as a barrier during the recovery journey. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: This paper explores the experience of loneliness while recovering from an eating disorder, as framed within the context of childrearing and challenging family dynamics. While loneliness has negative connotations, it may act as a 'companion' to the person experiencing it. What are the implications for practice?: The first visible need is that for public figures to raise awareness of loneliness and mental well‐being. Another emerging issue is the need to re‐think automatic negative assumptions associated with loneliness. Importantly, professionals and caregivers have to consider the co‐morbidity of loneliness and mental illness. Links between loneliness and unhealthy family dynamics also need to be assessed when providing support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The representation of animals in literature has long been dominated by anthropocentric perspectives that prioritize human experiences and values. Animals were relegated to metaphors and narrative accessories, neglecting their inherent rights and treating them primarily as reflections of human qualities. This paper examines the works of contemporary American poets Louise Glück and Mary Oliver, focusing on how their selected poems reconsider conventional anthropocentric patterns of animal representations in poetry. The analysis centers on the poets' strategies to blur rigid boundaries between the human-animal divide by challenging conventional depictions where animals are frequently assigned peripheral roles. The study explores how these poems cultivate powerful connections with the natural world, fostering a sense of communion and interconnectedness with nature. Additionally, the research highlights the deliberate efforts by the poets to reconfigure hierarchies, challenge value dualisms, and question anthropocentric narratives that sanction oppression. Lastly, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on ecocritical thought, enriching discussions on literature and environmental activism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the association between negative tone in annual report narratives and future performance in the UK context. Under the principle-based approach in the UK, managers tend to bias the tone of narrative reports upward, as the reporting regime is more flexible than the rule-based approach in the USA. Consequently, any negative disclosure not mandated by regulators conveys credible information about a firm's prospects. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses a sample of UK FTSE all-share non-financial companies from 2010 to 2019. The authors use the textual-analysis approach based on Loughran and McDonald (2011)'s wordlist (LM) to measure the negative tone in UK annual reports. Findings: The results show a significant negative association between negative tone and future performance. Moreover, our further analyses suggest that only the negativity in the executive section of the annual disclosures correlates significantly with future performance. In summary, this study suggests that negativity does matter under the principle-based approach and can be used as an indicator of future performance. Originality/value: In contrast to the literature arguing that only positivity has the power to affect a firm's outcomes under the principle-based approach, the authors provide new empirical evidence suggesting that negativity also matters within the UK context and can be used as an indicator for future performance. Also, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to identify which section of the annual report is more informative about a firm's future performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the development process from tapestry art to fibre art and establishes a theoretical framework for future research on the incorporation of fibre materials into interior design and architectural design by female artists. The world of fibre art is a captivating blend of traditional techniques and modern creativity, showcasing a wide range of textiles, wall art, and contemporary forms. This paper explores the works of female artists showcased in two well-known exhibitions: the 'Lausanne International Tapestry Biennale' and the 'From Lausanne to Beijing' International Fibre Art Biennale. This paper seeks to shed light on the distinct perspectives and artistic expressions of women in the field by examining the fibre materials used by these artists and the conceptual depth of their creations. Women artists have historically encountered obstacles in achieving recognition and establishing their position in the art industry. Nevertheless, their artistic contributions have significantly influenced the discourse on art and gender. The selected exhibitions offer a chronological framework for studying the development of women's fibre art. This article offers insights into the various ways in which female artists utilise fibre as a medium of expression by examining their techniques, themes, and narratives. In the end, this examination will enhance our comprehension of the significance of women in the growth and progression of fibre art. It will also serve as a source of inspiration for future research, as well as recognition of their valuable contributions to this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Perspectives on Culture / Perspektywy Kultury is the property of Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The goal of this paper is to offer an analysis on how Italian places act as key narrative units in Japanese manga. Building on a quantitative and qualitative corpus study, the paper investigates how culturally salient locations are embedded in these narratives. It is first shown that authors develop salient locations ("places") as distinct entities playing key roles within narrative structures. It is then shown that these representations of places follow principles of cultural relevance, popularity, historical and geographical faithfulness. This is the case because authors creating manga set in Italy share knowledge and appreciation of Italian places and their cultural import with readers. These results are framed in a theory of geo-criticism and in a possible worlds analysis of places in fiction, hereby extended to graphic narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a focus on refugees' written personal narratives on refugee NGO websites, this paper examines ongoing transculturalism in Britain and its interplay with globalization and current international migration. Conceiving such personal narratives as cultural texts pertaining to refugee narratives as a broad genre that encompasses different storytelling modalities, those personal stories on refugee NGO websites are explored from a cultural studies perspective. CDA is employed as a methodology for this cultural studies-oriented piece. A qualitatively oriented case study is accordingly presented based on the detailed examination of an example of such written narratives on the website of one such refugee NGO in the UK so as to instantiate and contribute to disentangling the articulation of this characteristic form of ongoing transculturalism. Special emphasis is laid on the discursive construction of refugees' transcultural identities in such narratives through their participation in those global border-crossing processes characteristic of the contemporary landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the secrecies of border spirits within 20th century Finnish belief narratives. The aim is to explore how and in which contexts the imaginary aspects of border spirit narratives link to the idea of the "power of storytelling". The following study touches on areas such as the suspension of the fantasy and sociopolitical aspects within the narratives. The folklore materials focus mainly on the Finnish heartland and partly on the national borders. Especially, narrative research methods were used to analyse what is heard and seen of the border spirits and what contexts these narratives involve. Moreover, the results touch on the dynamics of belief narratives without limiting them to the territorial aspects of borders. Hence, the study also explores interpretative bridges between folklore and border studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canadian province of Saskatchewan, and particularly rural Saskatchewan, has an ageing population and has experienced a great deal of out-migration in recent years. As a result, its labour force has been shrinking over time (Moazzami, 2015). International migration has been viewed as one way to reverse negative population growth and boost the economy of the region. Several programs and initiatives have been developed to successfully attract and welcome international migrants to Saskatchewan's rural areas. Despite this, retention is poor, with many immigrants choosing to move on to other destinations. In this paper, I argue that effectively welcoming immigrants in a context where they are seen primarily as economic actors poses a number of political, discursive and practical challenges. The economic rationale for immigration tends to reduce, somewhat ironically, the welcome that is extended. This paper is based on an analysis of information generated through interviews with key informants, all of whom are individuals engaged in the work of welcoming immigrants in different parts of rural Saskatchewan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Writing is an activity to which many qualitative researchers still attach a very limited and, to a considerable extent, subordinate importance to the collection and analysis of data. The paper challenges this tendency and reminds us that many of the great ethnographic masterpieces of the past (from Street Corner Society to Asylum, to name but two) displayed a very effective narrative tone that echoed many stylistic elements prevalent in literature and investigative journalism, without abandoning analytical rigour. It is the thesis of this article that if qualitative sociologists are to play a public role and thus reach a wider audience than just the academic community, they must work on their writing and rediscover the power and beauty of an effective narrative style. Giving research data a narrative form, e.g., avoiding the inclusion in a paper or book of numerous interview excerpts that are merely transcribed from recordings, or inserting clearly delineated and recognisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the dilemma faced by voice practitioner-researchers when working with literature. Within voice practice, researchers stand at the intersection of science and art and face philosophical conflicts due to the multi-disciplinary nature of their position. The paper explores the different literature review types and gives guidance on their paradigm roots and stylistic devices employed. It aims to provide an accessible framework by providing clarity and facilitating choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memory narratives, like all fictional narratives, are characterized by variation in narrative pace, resulting from a variety of staging strategies. In memory literature, the change in narrative pace is particularly evident because the representation of memory encourages a variety of narrative pacing strategies – from acceleration to deceleration. A great deal of attention is given to the representation of memory content when reviewing narratology from a memory studies perspective. There is, however, one aspect that is often overlooked, namely the way in which memories themselves determine the pace of the narrative. Memory content not only affects the narrative pace in significant ways but in most cases, the representation of memory also dictates the narrative pace by employing several memory-elicited pace strategies. As part of this paper, we propose a narratological approach that emphasizes narrative pace as the basis for analyzing the memory literature related to transgenerational memory communication. This paper examines the narrative techniques in the the construction of memory-elicited narrative pace. Furthermore, this paper discusses how memory itself takes on different roles based on varying narrative paces and how memory itself can influence narrative pace. The paper uses three memory novels as case studies: Herzklappen von Johnson & Johnson by Valerie Fritsch, Briefe nach Breslau: Meine Geschichte über drei Generation by Maya Lasker-Wallfisch, and Zurück nach Berlin: wie mein Vater mit mir in seine Vergangenheit reiste by Jonathan Lichtenstein. Each of these novels focuses on the transmission of a transgenerational memory of World War II. Using examples from these novels, this paper explains how the suturing of memory content generates the five primary rhythms of narrative movement: ellipsis, summary, stretch, pause, and scene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present paper undertakes the textual analysis of Kalidasa's play Abhijnanasakuntalam, translated in English by Chandra Rajan. To come up with new insights, the paper critically looks at the feminine and masculine virtues represented by the central characters to carefully analyze their interplay and imprinting on mutual relationship as well as the narrative structure. The paper concludes that both the characters exhibit masculine and feminine as different ways of behavior that embark their own individual trajectories towards complete realization. As long as these virtues are less developed, there are conflicts among the characters resulting from mutual dependency. At the point of maturation however, these virtues enable the characters to co-exist in harmony. The paper thereby concludes with the new insights into the reading of the most celebrated text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]